Papua New Guinea is a land of extraordinary cultural diversity and pristine natural beauty in the Pacific. From the vibrant traditions of over 800 indigenous cultures to world-class diving sites and the legendary Kokoda Track, PNG offers adventurers an unparalleled experience in one of the world's last frontiers.
Papua New Guinea's cuisine reflects its extraordinary cultural diversity across 800+ language groups, ranging from Highland sweet potato-based diets to coastal coconut cream and seafood traditions. The staple foods - kaukau (sweet potato), taro, sago, banana, and pit-pit (highland cane shoots) - vary dramatically by region. Mumu, an underground earth oven feast with pork, sweet potato, and greens wrapped in banana leaves, is the defining celebration food. Coastal PNG excels at fresh barramundi, mud crab, and reef fish. PNG's highland-grown coffee is world-class and increasingly exported globally.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Papua New Guinea.
Barramundi
PNG's finest freshwater and estuarine fish, served grilled, steamed, or pan-fried at most hotel restaurants. The barramundi from Fly River and coastal PNG is particularly prized for its firm white flesh and clean flavour.
Where to try: Bacchus Restaurant (Airways Hotel), Rapala Restaurant (Grand Papua Hotel), Coastwatchers Hotel Madang
Price: $30-70
Kokoda
PNG's answer to ceviche - fresh raw fish marinated in coconut cream and citrus until cured, mixed with tomato, onion, and chilli. A cooling, tangy dish reflecting the abundant seafood of coastal communities.
Where to try: Hotel restaurants in Port Moresby and Madang, Madang Resort Hotel
Price: $15-30
Mumu (Underground Oven Feast)
The traditional feast prepared in a pit oven with hot stones - pork, sweet potato, taro, banana, and greens wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked for hours. Attending a genuine mumu feast is one of PNG's most memorable cultural experiences.
Where to try: Village cultural visits (arranged tours), cultural show venues during Goroka and Mt Hagen Shows
Price: $20-50 as part of cultural tour
Mud Crab
PNG's mud crabs from Milne Bay, Sepik Delta, and coastal mangrove systems are exceptionally large and flavourful. Best eaten steamed or cooked in coconut cream at coastal restaurants.
Where to try: Alotau International Hotel, Madang Resort Hotel, coastal restaurants
Price: $25-50
PNG Highland Coffee
Grown at altitude in the Highlands, PNG coffee (particularly Sigri Estate and Arona Valley beans) is world-class with a distinctive bright, clean flavour. Try a pour-over or espresso at Coffee Bean Port Moresby or the cafe at Port Moresby Nature Park.
Where to try: Coffee Bean Port Moresby, hotel cafes, airport shops
Price: $8-15
Kaukau (Sweet Potato)
The Highland staple - dense, sweet, and filling purple or orange-fleshed sweet potato roasted over coals by roadside vendors. Try it at 2 PGK (50 cents) from Mt Hagen market vendors for the most authentic Highland food experience.
Where to try: Mt Hagen and Goroka markets, roadside vendors throughout Highlands
Price: $0.50-2
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Bacchus Restaurant
Port Moresby's premier fine dining establishment offering contemporary international cuisine with French influences. Extensive wine list and sophisticated atmosphere. Popular for business dinners and special occasions.
Airways Hotel, Jackson Parade, Port Moresby
Asia Aromas Restaurant
Popular downtown lunch spot serving Thai, Chinese, and Malaysian dishes. Fresh ingredients and generous portions. Busy with office workers at lunchtime. Casual atmosphere with reliable quality.
Steamships Plaza, Champion Parade, Port Moresby
Kokonas Cafe
Popular cafe chain with locations throughout Port Moresby serving excellent coffee, sandwiches, salads, and pastries. Fast service and consistent quality. Good for quick breakfast or lunch.
Multiple locations, Port Moresby
Gordons Market Food Vendors
Morning market food stalls selling traditional PNG breakfast and snacks. Try sago pancakes, fried bananas, and fresh tropical fruits. Authentic local experience in safe market environment.
Gordons Market, Port Moresby
The Hideaway Cafe
Trendy Port Moresby cafe with excellent coffee, healthy breakfast and lunch options. Free wifi and comfortable seating popular with digital nomads and expats. Air-conditioned interior.
Waigani, Port Moresby
Dynasty Seafood Restaurant
Upscale Chinese restaurant specializing in fresh seafood prepared Cantonese style. Live seafood tanks ensure freshness. Elegant dining room popular with Port Moresby's business elite.
Harbour City, Port Moresby
Fusion Bistro
Contemporary bistro blending Asian cooking techniques with local ingredients. Famous for signature salt-and-pepper crab. Relaxed atmosphere with modern decor. Popular dinner destination.
Boroko, Port Moresby
Tasty Bites
Local fast food chain offering burgers, fried chicken, and sandwiches. Clean, air-conditioned outlets throughout Port Moresby. Reliable quality at budget-friendly prices.
Multiple locations, Port Moresby
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Cafe
Coffee Bean Port Moresby
Specialty coffee shop serving PNG's finest highland beans. Knowledgeable baristas prepare excellent espresso drinks. Light meals and pastries available. Support local coffee industry.
Harbour City, Port Moresby
Airways Cafe
Hotel cafe open to public serving all-day breakfast, lunch, and premium PNG coffee. Elegant setting with professional service. Good spot for business meetings over coffee.
Airways Hotel, Port Moresby
Cafe Aquarius
Relaxed cafe serving breakfast and lunch with focus on healthy options. Fresh juices, smoothies, and salads alongside hearty breakfast plates. Pleasant outdoor seating.
Waigani, Port Moresby
Beach Club Cafe Madang
Beachfront cafe in Madang serving coffee, smoothies, and light meals. Stunning harbor views and sea breeze. Perfect spot to relax after diving or touring.
Madang Waterfront, Madang Province
Kokopo Beach Cafe
Relaxed beachfront cafe near Rabaul serving coffee, fresh juices, and casual meals. Beautiful volcano views. Popular with tourists exploring East New Britain.
Kokopo Beach, East New Britain Province
Goroka Coffee Shop
Charming cafe in Goroka serving PNG's famous highland coffee. Simple meals, pastries, and excellent coffee. Great place to experience local coffee culture.
Goroka Town, Eastern Highlands Province
Plateau Coffee House
Mountain cafe on Sogeri Plateau serving excellent coffee and homemade cakes. Cool highland climate provides pleasant escape from Port Moresby heat. Stop on scenic drives.
Sogeri Plateau, Central Province
Island Coffee Kavieng
Small cafe in New Ireland serving locally-grown coffee and light meals. Friendly owners share knowledge about PNG coffee production. Relaxed island atmosphere.
Kavieng Town, New Ireland Province
Highland Brew Goroka
Cafe in coffee-growing region serving exceptional highland coffee. Educational displays about local coffee production. Support small-scale farmers by purchasing beans to take home.
Goroka Town, Eastern Highlands Province
International
Duffy Cafe Bar
Relaxed cafe-bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with international menu. Good coffee, fresh salads, burgers, and pasta. Comfortable seating and free wifi make it popular for casual meetings.
Harbour City, Port Moresby
Madang Club Restaurant
Beachfront dining in beautiful Madang featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and international favorites. Outdoor seating overlooks harbor. Relaxed tropical atmosphere perfect for sunset dinners.
Madang Town, Madang Province
Lae International Restaurant
Casual dining in Lae offering mix of Asian and Western dishes. Popular with expat community. Good portion sizes and reasonable prices. Air-conditioned comfort.
Top Town, Lae, Morobe Province
Rabaul Hotel Restaurant
Historic hotel restaurant in Rabaul serving hearty meals with focus on fresh seafood and local produce. Volcano views from dining room. Friendly service and reasonable prices.
Rabaul, East New Britain Province
Local Street Food
Koki Market Food Stalls
Waterfront market with numerous food vendors selling grilled fish, vegetables, and traditional dishes. Fresh catch prepared simply. Visit morning for best selection.
Koki, Port Moresby
Boroko Market Food Section
Large market with diverse food vendors offering cooked meals, fresh produce, and snacks. Try traditional mumu-cooked vegetables and meats. Busy but relatively safe during daylight.
Boroko, Port Moresby
Madang Main Market
Vibrant market in beautiful Madang with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and cooked food stalls. Try fresh coconut, grilled fish, and local vegetables. Safer and more tourist-friendly than Port Moresby markets.
Madang Town, Madang Province
Rabaul Market Food Vendors
Market near Rabaul volcano featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local snacks. Try fresh fish grilled on open flames. Unique volcanic backdrop.
Rabaul Market, East New Britain Province
Highland Street Food
Goroka Market Food Area
Highland market featuring traditional foods from Eastern Highlands. Try sweet potato varieties, highland greens, and fresh coffee. Cultural experience alongside meals.
Goroka Market, Eastern Highlands Province
Mt Hagen Market
Major highland market with extensive food section. Traditional mumu cooking demonstrations some days. Try highland coffee, fresh produce, and traditional preparations.
Mount Hagen, Western Highlands Province
Indian
Tandoor on the Harbour
Authentic Indian restaurant with harbor views serving northern and southern Indian specialties. Tandoor-cooked breads and meats highlight menu. Vegetarian options abundant. Friendly service and fair prices.
Ela Beach Road, Port Moresby
The Cellar Restaurant
Upscale Indian restaurant renowned for authentic dishes and extensive wine cellar. Elegant atmosphere with traditional decor. Famous for dosa lunches and elaborate curry buffets. Port Moresby's finest Indian cuisine.
Downtown Port Moresby
Seafood
Waterfront Grill Madang
Casual waterfront restaurant in Madang offering grilled seafood, burgers, and local dishes. Beautiful harbor views and sea breeze. Popular with tourists and locals alike.
Madang Waterfront, Madang Province
Alotau Wharf Cafe
Waterfront cafe in Alotau serving fresh seafood, sandwiches, and coffee. Simple preparations highlight local catch. Pleasant breeze and harbor views.
Alotau Wharf, Milne Bay Province
Cantonese
Imperial Chinese Restaurant
Quality Chinese restaurant run by international chef Raymond. Authentic Hong Kong-style preparations using fresh ingredients. Dim sum available weekends. Attentive service in comfortable setting.
Waigani, Port Moresby
Chinese
Grand Dynasty Restaurant
Delivers authentic Hong Kong Chinese cuisine with extensive menu covering Cantonese classics and modern dishes. Fresh seafood and quality ingredients. Popular for family dinners and group celebrations.
Vision City, Port Moresby
Coastal Street Food
Wewak Market Food Stalls
Coastal market offering Sepik region specialties and fresh seafood. Try sago prepared various ways and grilled fish. Gateway to Sepik River experiences.
Wewak Town, East Sepik Province
Fusion
Jackson's Restaurant & Bar
Sophisticated dining in airport district offering creative fusion cuisine blending Asian, European, and Pacific flavors. Stylish interior and professional service. Extensive wine and cocktail menu.
Jackson Parade, Port Moresby
Japanese
Daikoku Japanese Steakhouse
Theatrical teppanyaki dining experience with skilled chefs preparing premium steaks, seafood, and vegetables tableside. Authentic Japanese flavors in entertaining atmosphere. Popular for celebrations.
Vision City, Port Moresby
Modern Australian
Rapala Restaurant
Sophisticated waterfront dining at Ela Beach featuring modern Australian cuisine with Pacific influences. Fresh local seafood and imported prime meats. Stunning harbor views complement refined dishes.
Grand Papua Hotel, Ela Beach, Port Moresby
Pizza
Pizza Hut PNG
International pizza chain with local PNG twist. Probably the best pizza in Port Moresby according to locals. Also offers good pasta dishes. Delivery and dine-in available.
Vision City and other locations, Port Moresby
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Grilled Fish on Stick
Fresh fish from the morning catch, skewered and grilled over coals at Koki Market. Quick, cheap, and genuinely delicious when fresh. Select vendors near the boat landing for freshest catch.
Find it at: Koki Market waterfront, Port Moresby (5AM-11AM)
Sago Pancakes
Flat pancakes made from sago starch, the staple food of coastal and Sepik communities. Sold at Koki Market and roadside stalls, often eaten with coconut cream or sugar.
Find it at: Koki Market, roadside stalls in coastal areas
Fresh Coconut Water
Vendors with machetes open fresh green coconuts to order throughout PNG. A 3-5 PGK drink that is also the most hydrating option in the tropical heat - far preferable to bottled drinks.
Find it at: Koki Market, Gordons Market, roadside stalls throughout Port Moresby and coastal towns
Roasted Kaukau
Sweet potato roasted over coals by roadside vendors throughout the Highlands. A filling and authentic Highland food available from dawn at Mt Hagen market and most Highlands towns.
Find it at: Mt Hagen market, Goroka market, Highlands roadside vendors
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Koki Market
Port Moresby's most atmospheric market on the waterfront where fishing boats unload directly to vendors. Tropical fish, fruit, vegetables, bilum bags, and betel nut in a genuinely local environment. Best at dawn when the freshest produce arrives.
Hours: 5AM-2PM daily
Gordons Market
The largest produce market in Port Moresby with hundreds of vendors selling kaukau, taro, banana varieties, smoked fish, tropical fruits, and handicrafts. Busy and vibrant - visit with a guide or security arrangement from your hotel.
Hours: 5AM-3PM daily
Mt Hagen Market
Western Highlands' main market drawing vendors from surrounding villages with fresh produce, bilums, traditional foods, and the unique diet of the Highlands - kaukau, greens, pit-pit, and local root vegetables.
Hours: 6AM-4PM daily
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Always eat at hotel restaurants or established venues during your first days in PNG - market food safety requires local guidance and an experienced companion
The best value quality meals in Port Moresby are at the hotel restaurant lunch specials - Airways, Hilton, and Grand Papua all offer good-value lunch menus from $25-40
Friday lunch at hotel restaurants is the most social dining event in Port Moresby - the expat and business community gathers making it lively and interesting
PNG's best seafood is not in Port Moresby - travel to Madang, Milne Bay, or Kavieng for fresh reef fish, mud crab, and coconut cream-based coastal cooking
Vegetarian options are limited at most restaurants - rely on tropical fruit, vegetable market produce, and hotel menus that often have pasta or vegetable curry options
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $15-25/meal (market food with guide, cheap cafe, basic lunch) | Market fruit and cooked food with local guidance, cafe sandwiches, Vision City Mall food court |
| Mid-range | $30-60/meal (hotel restaurant, mid-range dining) | Hotel restaurant lunch specials, mid-range dining at Kokonas Cafe or Asia Aromas, fresh seafood restaurants |
| Upscale | $80-150+/meal | Bacchus at Airways Hotel, Rapala at Grand Papua Hotel, full fine dining with wine pairing |